Community News
Health Spotlight: ONZ Spine

ONZ Spine specializes in more than 10 years of assisting thousands of individuals in traveling to Germany for orthopedic surgery. Are you in pain and tired of waiting for knee, hip, or spine surgery? Germany’s top Neurosurgeons at the ONZ Clinic do not have long waiting periods – usually within one month. Knee and hip surgeries are not age restrictive in Germany. Call, text or email for further information and a free consultation. We guide you through from assisting with booking flights, travel insurance, taxis, and hotels from the beginning to the end of your journey.

Board Members

Comox Valley Senior Support Society is currently recruiting Board Members. If you have have a passion for seniors, an interest in working with a collaborative Board, and supporting an active staff team, please contact Chris at [email protected] for more information.

Volunteers Needed!

A strong component of most of our programs at CV Senior Support are volunteers! While staff coordinate the pieces to make programs work, it is our incredible volunteers who venture into the community and provide the supports many of our clients depend upon. Volunteering at Comox Valley Senior Support can range from a weekly phone call or an in person visit to grocery shopping or assistance with filling out forms and finding resources. Volunteers are provided with training and support and opportunities for ongoing education.
If you have an interest in supporting seniors in your community, please contact the office at [email protected] or 250-871-5940 to find out more.

Office of the Seniors Advocate

The Office of the Seniors Advocate monitors and analyzes seniors services and issues in B.C., and makes recommendations to government and service providers to address systemic issues. The Office also provides information and referrals for individuals who are navigating seniors services and tracks their concerns, which helps inform future work. The services which the Office monitors are in five key areas: health care, housing, income supports, community supports and transportation. The Office collaborates with service providers, government and health authorities to improve effectiveness, efficiency and outcomes. A council of advisers, made up of B.C. seniors, provides the Seniors Advocate with advice and feedback from the perspective of seniors with diverse backgrounds, ages, geographical areas and cultures.

Seniors Safety

Approximately 1 in 6 people aged 60 years or older experienced some form of abuse in community settings and this is predicted to increase as countries experience rapidly aging populations. Many seniors and/or families turn to multiple organizations to seek help, which can include Community Response Networks, provincial health authorities, Community Living BC and Public Guardian and Trustee. In the Comox Valley, the Comox Valley Senior’s Support Society can assist in determining what to do.

Tips for Managing Dry Mouth

Dry mouth doesn’t happen only if you’re dehydrated. Many medications and health conditions can cause dry mouth, with symptoms such as difficulty speaking, chewing, and swallowing. What can you do to lessen the symptoms and prevent oral health problems? Reducing intake of caffeinated and alcoholic beverages can help, as can sucking on sugar-free candies and using a room humidifier. Your pharmacist can offer additional tips, help you choose an appropriate OTC saliva replacement, and perhaps even suggest a change to your medications.

Mental Health & Plants

Plants reduce feelings of anxiety and depression. Plants have shown an increase in creativity, both in school and the workplace. They found plants brought a 37% reduction in tension and anxiety, a 58% reduction in depression and a 44% reduction in anger and hostility. Studies showed an improvement in preschooler’s memory, and cognitive function when participants walked in nature. Children with ADHD had better concentration after a walk in the park than after an urban neighborhood walk. Taking breaks to view or be in nature helps restore everyone’s attention.

Physical Health & Plants

The physical work of gardening, preparing soil, planting seeds, watering and weeding produces good chemicals in the brain such as serotonin and dopamine. Garden work can also help reduce blood pressure, heart rate and cortisol levels. Low cortisol levels keep inflammation down and manages carbohydrates and blood sugars. Being physically active through gardening provides lasting wellness benefits. Physical exercise – digging, hoeing and watering uses balance, muscles, and strength. While all physical activity is beneficial, your emotions benefit too!

Emotional Health & Plants

Living in or near green spaces, spending time in both natural settings, and cultivated green space can improve mood and reduce the negative effects of stress. Other positive outcomes include reduction in aggressive feelings and enhancement of overall well-being. Studies have found that exposure to indoor plants improved feelings of well-being in participants. Plants are the lungs of the planet, drawing in carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen back into the atmosphere. One of the best things about caring for indoor plants is the beautiful exchange that happens because plants depend on our care, and in turn, they take care of us by improving the indoor air quality we breathe.

Stop and Take a Break

The transition to remote and hybrid work and back to the worksite has been difficult for many reasons, and one consistent issue the idea of taking breaks. Taking breaks benefits both health and performance markers, such as energy levels, morale, and vigor, while decreasing job burnout, fatigue, and work stress. A bulk of research shows the best way to boost productivity is to take microbreaks every 60 minutes away from screen time. Try standing up, moving around, stretching, or practicing mindfulness and deep breathing exercises to keep you motivated during your work blocks.